FAQ

What are the minimum admission requirements?

Applicants must have a minimum overall standing of 75%, or equivalent, in the final two years of their four-year Honours Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related field from a recognized university.

Individuals who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply. Please note that applicants without a degree in Engineering will have their degree's relevancy assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their Statement of Intent and industry experience.

To learn more about admission and program requirements, please visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar for Programs and Plans.

Is there a co-op program for graduate students?

Yes! More information about this program can be found here.

• The co-op option is not available for the MASc or PhD programs; it is offered exclusively for the MEng program.
• The co-op program is highly competitive, with a limited number of spots available each term. To improve your chances of admission, applicants are encouraged to apply to both the regular MEng program and the MEng Co-op program.

Note: Students admitted to the regular MEng program will not have the option to transfer to the MEng Co-op program at a later time.

Can I apply to the Master’s program before completing my bachelor's degree?

Students who apply to the Master's program prior to completing their Bachelor's degree may receive a Conditional Offer of Admission. All conditions outlined in the offer must be met before the start of the term to ensure admission.

For further details, please refer to the Conditions of Admission webpage.

Can I update my documents after I have submitted my application?

Once your application documents have been submitted they are considered final and cannot be updated.

If you are applying to a research-based program, the names of potential supervisors cannot be added or removed after submission. However, you are not restricted to contacting only the supervisors listed in your application. Similarly, listing potential supervisors in your application is not required in order to reach out to them. If you have updated documents, such as transcripts or publications, you may include them in your correspondence when contacting potential supervisors.

What if I can't get all of my documents uploaded by the deadline?

A complete application package, including all documents, references, and English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scores, must be submitted by the specified deadline.

While applicants can upload materials after the deadline, if the application is incomplete at the time of review and the deadline has passed, the application will be denied due to the highly competitive nature of our graduate programs. Admissions decisions are final once made.

If you anticipate being unable to meet the deadline for a particular term, we recommend applying for a later term to ensure your application is considered. In some cases, a faculty member may accept you for an earlier term, and we can adjust the start date on your application accordingly.

Can I be pre-assessed?

The application process is the same for all applicants. We are unable to consider or assess prospective students for admission (including providing feedback) without a complete application package. Please ensure you submit your online application along with all required supporting documentation.

Several factors are considered in the admission process for our graduate programs:

• Previous academic record: courses completed, degrees earned, overall academic standing, etc.
• For course-based programs: your resume, references, relevant industry experience, and the overall strength of the applicant pool.
• For research-based programs: previous areas of research and study, published papers (both journal and conference), grades, references, and relevant experience.

Faculty members have limitations in terms of funding, space, and time commitments, and therefore, they prioritize applicants whose work and interests align closely with their areas of research.

For more information on how to apply and the document requirements, please review the Application Process, Admission Requirements, and ECE Future Graduate Students - Programs web pages.

Can you waive the application fee?

Unfortunately, we are unable to waive the application fee. All applicants to the University of Waterloo are required to pay a non-refundable $125 CAD application fee for each program to which they apply.

Please review the information on study and living costs, as well as available awards and funding. Students are also expected to have personal funds to cover their expenses while attending the university.

What is the status of my application?

The status of your application is available on Quest. Please review the instructions for viewing your application status for further details.

Your application status will remain as 'Application' until an 'Admit' or 'Deny' decision is made. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide updates on individual application statuses.

You will receive an email notification from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) once a decision ('Admit' or 'Deny') has been applied and is available on Quest.

When will I get a decision on my application?

The timelines provided below are estimates and may change during the review process, depending on the complexity of each application and fluctuations in application volume. Decisions may be available sooner than expected.

Term	Application deadline	Estimated application decision
Fall	February 1	April
Winter	June 1	August
Spring	October 1	December

How do I know if my application is complete?

You can verify if your application is complete by checking your Documents List on Quest. All required application documents must be marked as 'Completed.' For more information, please review the instructions for uploading your application documents.

My referee has not received a request to submit a reference for my application. What should I do?

Referees are contacted via email when you receive your Waterloo ID number. Please ask your referee to check their spam or junk folders. Additionally, referees will receive two reminder emails. You should verify in Quest that the correct email address has been provided. If the email address is incorrect, please send an email to gradapply@uwaterloo.ca with the following information:

Subject Line: Change of Referee Email Address

Waterloo ID Number (as sent to you via email from Waterloo):

Program:

Term to which you have applied:

Referee Name:

Old Referee Email Address:

New Referee Email Address:

Note: If you have not yet received your Waterloo ID number, please wait until it is provided before making this request.

I need to change one of my referees. What should I do?

Send an email to gradapp@uwaterloo.ca with the following required information:

Subject Line: Change of Referee

Waterloo ID Number (as sent to you via email from Waterloo):

Program:

Term to which you have applied:

Old Referee Name:

New Referee Title:

New Referee Name:

Institution:

Complete Institution address (including city/country):

Telephone:

Email Address:

Note: Please note that changing your referees may delay the processing of your application by up to two weeks. If you have not yet received your Waterloo ID number, please wait until it is provided before making this request.

Should I send my official documents now?

Official documents are required only if an offer of admission is made.

I have applied and paid the application fee so where is my id number?

A few business days after your application fee is processed, you will receive an email from gradapp@uwaterloo.ca containing your 8-digit Waterloo ID number (numerical only) and further instructions on how to proceed with your application. Please monitor your spam/junk folders for this email.

Can I update my documents after I have submitted my application?

Once your application documents are submitted, they are considered final and cannot be updated.

For research-based programs, this means that the names of potential supervisors cannot be added or removed after submission. However, you are not limited to contacting only the supervisors listed in your application. Additionally, you are not required to list potential supervisors in your application in order to communicate with them. If you have updated documents, such as transcripts or publications, you may include them in your correspondence with potential supervisors.

What average do I need from the country where I completed my previous degree?

Please refer to the International Admission Equivalencies webpage for a breakdown of the minimum admission requirements by country. You should aim to meet or exceed the academic requirements listed for your country.

Where can I find information about my options if I am an international student?

For information on the following, please visit the Government of Canada website:

• Applying to study in Canada as an international student
• Extending your study permit
• Working while you study or after graduation

What is the difference between full-time and part-time status?

Part-time status means a student is enrolled in one course per term, while full-time status requires a student to take a minimum of two courses per term.

How can I find out if I am exempt from submitting an English Language Proficiency (ELP) score?

Certain conditions and countries may exempt international applicants from submitting an ELP test score. Please refer to the information here.

Do I need to secure a supervisor for the MEng program?

MEng is a coursework-based program, and therefore, no supervisor is required.

Who can I contact (on campus) for more information about immigration?

Visit the Immigration Consultants in the Student Success Office website.

Where can I get information about refunds, late fees, paying fees, tax documents, fees arrangements, tuition benefit, fee schedules, University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), general information and forms?

Visit the Student Financial Services website.

How much are tuition fees for the year?

Information about tuition fees is available on the Tuition Fees website.

Where can I find information on available scholarships?

For more information on available scholarships and funding opportunities, please visit the Funding graduate school website.

If I request a deferral who do I contact?

If you plan to request a deferral, please complete the Deferral Request Form. You will be asked to provide the following information:

Name:
Student ID:
Term Admitted:
Term Deferring to:
Reason for deferral request: (Please note: deferring to study in person is not a valid deferral reason.) 

If you have questions, please contact one of our admissions coordinators via email.

For deferrals to the MASc or PhD program, contact: ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca.

For deferrals to the MEng program, contact: ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca.

Please note: All deferrals must be approved by the Associate Chair and are not guaranteed.

Important:  For research-based programs, a maximum deferral of one year can be requested, based on the term of admission. For course-based programs, a maximum deferral of two terms can be requested, based on the term of admission.

What are the differences between the MEng and MASc programs?

A course-based Master’s (MEng) program is designed to enhance a student's knowledge and develop either a technical specialization or complementary skills (e.g., management). This program is ideal for working professionals, as it allows them to advance their education while continuing their careers. With the added credentials and network gained, professionals can qualify for higher positions, transition into new industries, or successfully start their own businesses.

• Students must complete a minimum of 8 courses.
• A supervisor is not required for the MEng program.
• Guaranteed funding does not apply to the MEng coursework program, however, applicants are encouraged to apply for external scholarships and other funding opportunities.

The research-based Master’s (MASc) program is designed to enhance a student's technical expertise while developing a range of complementary skills crucial for tackling complex projects and research initiatives. By addressing real-world problems, students strengthen their creativity, flexibility, and analytical abilities. The MASc program provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing a PhD. Additionally, it broadens career opportunities, making graduates strong candidates for higher-level roles in industry and opening doors to academic positions, research opportunities, or even tenure-track roles.

• Students must complete a minimum of 4 courses, a master's thesis, and a seminar.
• Finding a supervisor is required to receive an offer of admission to the MASc program.
• Incoming full-time MASc students are guaranteed funding of $18,000 per year for 2 years.

Do I have to enrol in a graduate specialization before I begin my MEng program?

No, you are not required to declare your interest or enroll in a Graduate Diploma (GDip) before starting your MEng studies. Each GDip includes core and elective courses, so make sure you meet the requirements before completing your MEng program.

For further details, please email ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca for course-based programs or ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca for research-based programs.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time status?

Part-time status means a student is enrolled in one course per term, while full-time status requires a student to take at least two courses per term.

What is the duration of the MEng program?

The duration of the MEng program is typically four terms, although students may complete it in as few as three terms.

How do I find a supervisor for my MASc/PhD?

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recommends that you apply, upload all required documents, and then begin contacting potential supervisors. Before submitting your application, we encourage you to review the profiles of our faculty members in your proposed area(s) of specialization to identify those whose research aligns well with your interests. It may also be helpful to read some of their publications to familiarize yourself with their work.

We recommend listing the names of faculty members you are interested in working with in the 'Potential Supervisors' field of your application. While ECE does not require you to communicate with a potential supervisor before listing their name, we encourage you to do so. Many faculty members look for applications that specifically mention them as potential supervisors, and listing their names may help your application stand out. Once your application is submitted, we are unable to add or remove potential supervisors. 

After submitting your application and uploading all required documents (including references), contacting a potential supervisor is a good next step. For guidance, visit the Finding a supervisor webpage.

Here are some additional tips you may find helpful:

• You may contact any faculty member in your area(s) of specialization, even if their name is not listed in your application.
• Use proper letter formatting, formal salutations (e.g., Professor/Dr. [Last Name]), and close with 'Yours sincerely,' followed by your full name and contact information. Don’t forget to include your 8-digit Waterloo ID number.
• Mention the program (MASc or PhD) and term to which you have applied.
• Attach your CV and current transcripts.
• Explain why you are interested in graduate studies, including your career goals, and highlight any relevant research or leadership experience.
• If you have funding through one of Waterloo’s formalized graduate studies partnerships, mention the source, value, and duration.
• Specify why you have chosen this particular faculty member and how your research interests align with theirs. Refer to specific publications of theirs that interest you.
• Offer an opportunity for further discussion, such as a teleconference, video conference, or an in-person meeting.